The Cardiovascular System: Implications of Obesity on the Body System and Resolution of Disease Processes Following Bariatric Surgery.

Obesity has been associated with diseases of the cardiovascular system as multiple factors of the disease increase the susceptibility to cardiovascular disease and other comorbid conditions. Here, the authors review the potential mechanisms by which obesity can influence the structure and function of the heart, including hemodynamic factors, metabolic factors, and direct/other causes. Inflammatory changes in the patient with obesity represent other potential mechanisms for structural or endocrine effects on the heart. Weight loss efforts between 5 to 10 percent have been shown to improve the comorbidities associated with metabolic process that leads to increased cardiometabolic risk. The authors review the literature on both surgical and nonsurgical weight loss as improving metabolic status, thus decreasing cardiovascular risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]